Hunting/Fishing News

WV DNR Fishing Regulations Have Been Updated

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced the availability of updated fishing regulations online at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.

“Whether you’re a West Virginia resident casting a line in a familiar lake or stream or a non-resident visiting on vacation, West Virginia offers the angling public a myriad of exciting opportunities, all within easy driving distance of each other,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

Anglers are reminded that West Virginia’s fishing regulations for 2024 went into effect on Jan. 1. Updates include changes to regulations regarding sauger and saugeye limits, blue catfish minimum size limits and channel catfish possession limits. Print versions of the regulations are also available at district offices and license retailers around the state.

The WVDNR also announced the creation of new state record fish categories for black crappie, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish and redhorse suckers. For a complete list of all state record fish categories and instructions for reporting a catch, anglers should consult page 23 of the fishing regulations.

All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license and a valid form of identification while fishing. A trout stamp is required for catching trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased at 156 retail locations across the state or at WVfish.com.

To learn more about fishing opportunities and trout stockings in West Virginia, visit WVdnr.gov/fishing.

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